South Deltans Unite in Refugee Humanitarian Cause

A fundraising event is scheduled to take place May 14 at South Delta Baptist Church, 1988 56 St, Delta, BC that will bring communities of Ladner/Tsawwassen together in a combined effort to help victims of war-torn Ukraine.

The locally-produced Musical Pier 21 will be presented May 14 in Tsawwassen’s largest church where, in an incredible way, the theme of the musical parallels a tragic current world situation.

The event is supported by The City of Delta, Delta Chamber of Commerce, local businesses, churches, South Delta Secondary Schools (plus Sacred Heart Elementary and Southpoint Academy) and others, all taking part in this united endeavour to assist victims of a devastated country. Event proceeds will go to Delta Ukraine Refugee Support.   

I Just Want to be Free is a song from Pier 21 produced by Ladner resident/St. David parishioner Allen Desnoyers in 2019.  Written with intent on an earlier era, the lyric suddenly echoes the cry of today’s people in a besieged land. 

Pier 21’s music director, composer and playwright Allen Desnoyers brought history to light when he memorialized the arrival of two Ukrainian sisters who entered Canada through gateway Pier 21, Halifax, between 1928 and 1971 (when the immigration shed was closed).The song-based storyline continues to remind audiences across Canada of the displaced (many from the Ukraine) who fled the horrors of the Soviet Union during WWII.    

“Repeat performance of Pier 21 in South Delta in 2022 requires many hands,” event co-ordinator Anthony Hanna said. Rector’s warden at St. David’s, Anthony has nothing but praise for the performers, staff and volunteers whose donation of time and talent is enabling the forthcoming event to generate the maximum revenue for refugee support in hometown Delta.  Purchase of tickets represents an important portion of the fundraiser. Also, a volunteer located in the church lobby will be available to accept additional contributions and issue charitable donation receipts. Should there be excess funds beyond the proposed Delta refugee transition pre-requisites, the balance will be forwarded to the Canadian Red Cross for further distribution in the Ukrainian. 

Doors open at 6:30 pm on May 14. The performance begins at 7:30 pm. Do bring family and friends to this special presentation of PIER 21 and help raise much-needed funds for Delta’s Ukrainian support group.

Tickets are $30 each and are available through Eventbrite.ca by typing “Pier 21” in the search bar.